When hiring a Foreign Domestic Helper (FDH) in Hong Kong, employers must meet certain government requirements. What are these requirements? If employers wish to apply for an FDH themselves, how can they do it? Before making a decision, employers should consider if hiring a local helper might better suit their needs. This article provides simple answers to these three questions.

On September 27, 2024, the Hong Kong government announced a rise in the minimum wage for foreign domestic helpers. This wage adjustment reflects a modest increase from the previous rate and will take effect for all new contracts signed from September 28, 2024. However, the meal allowance remains unchanged with a specified minimum requirement. We will look into the details and compare it with wage levels in other Asian countries.

First-time employers often seek online guidance when hiring foreign domestic helpers, but the information can be overwhelming and sometimes inaccurate. To help, the Immigration Department has published a 22-page "Guidebook for the Employment of Domestic Helpers from Abroad." We’ve reviewed it and highlighted key points, including qualifications, the Undertaking, and a simplified application process.

When hiring a foreign domestic helper in Hong Kong, employers not only need to pay for the medical expenses of helper, but may also be held responsible for the helper’s act. Therefore, it is crucial for employers to understand what kind of protections foreign domestic helper insurance covers to avoid unexpected costs. This Q&A addresses issues regarding vicarious liability, personal responsibility of helpers, arrangements during typhoon days, and issuing warning letters.

When a foreign domestic helper (FDH) completes their contract and returns to their home country, the employer should not only send them off with good wishes but also arrange their return, handle long service payments, and pay any outstanding holiday wages. Even if the contract is terminated due to performance issues or by mutual agreement for other reasons, the employer must address the same matters. Previously, we had an article discussed how to calculate termination notice pay and long service payments for FDHs; this time, we will share regulations on travel expenses, meal, and transportation allowances.

Certain situations, though rare, such as a foreign domestic helper's pregnancy or the overlap of rest days with statutory holidays, are important for employers to understand to avoid breaking the law. This article provides a Q&A on issues related to foreign domestic helpers' pregnancy, maternity leave, and holidays.

Termination of Contract / Work Scope Limitations / Part-Time Work

Hong Kong employers hiring foreign domestic helpers must adhere to numerous regulations. If they do not thoroughly read the Standard Employment Contract and fail to comply with certain terms, both the employer and the helper might be violating the law. This Q&A aims to address common issues related to foreign domestic helper contracts, including arrangements after contract termination, work scope limitations with examples, part-time work, etc.

The "Standard Employment Contract" outlines specific terms, but many Hong Kong employers often struggle to match clauses to situations. As a result, social media forums for foreign domestic helpers frequently feature scenario-based questions. In Volume 2, we cover these common topics: minimum wage, food allowance, privacy, medical expenses, buying holidays, and borrowing money. Understanding these beforehand can be very helpful.

There was a Facebook discussion group for foreign domestic helpers, a prospective employer asked whether it would be acceptable if a helper stated a need to stay outside during their time off. At the same time, the helper's agency claimed that it was legal. Are these statements correct?

Online discussions in foreign domestic helper forums often center on the "Standard Employment Contract." As an employer, understanding this contract is crucial. It's important to know both your rights and obligations to prevent disputes or legal issues. Key topics include dealing with job-hopping helpers, arranging their return to their home country, proper procedures for contract termination, and understanding the eligibility and calculation of long service payment and severance pay. Familiarity with these aspects ensures a smooth and compliant employment relationship.

The Labour Department announced the statutory holidays for 2025 in early May. It is important to note that statutory holidays are different from public holidays in Hong Kong, as there are fewer statutory holidays than public holidays. The holidays for foreign domestic helpers are arranged according to statutory holidays. This article not only shares the dates of the statutory holidays in 2025 but also provides important notes for employers and foreign domestic helpers to carefully plan their holiday schedules for 2025!

If you've been following the news, there have been occasional reports of fatal accidents involving falling from buildings while cleaning windows, with some involving foreign domestic workers. As an employer, you have a responsibility to ensure the safety of your employees. There are clear guidelines regarding foreign domestic helpers cleaning windows to safeguard their safety and rights, as detailed below.

Employers often seek foreign domestic workers to ease household burdens and provide care for family members. Common tasks include cleaning, cooking, and looking after children or seniors. Some wonder if helpers can also drive, particularly to school. In tight living spaces like in Hong Kong, affording a helper doesn't guarantee extra rooms, prompting questions about living room accommodations.

Foreign domestic helper insurance may seem straightforward, but there are many details that could be missed if not careful. It's only when you really need to make a claim that you might discover it's not covered, leaving you in a difficult situation. In the Vol. 3 of our Q&A series about foreign domestic helper insurance, we'll share information about the reimbursement limits and total caps for clinical expenses, the correct policyholder, policy effective/waiting periods, and job-hopping protection.

When reading articles about foreign domestic helpers, the term "standard employment contract" is frequently mentioned. What exactly does the standard employment contract entail and what clauses should be noted? The following article will provide a brief overview.

Questions about foreign domestic helper insurance are numerous every day. Therefore, we have launched a new series - "foreign domestic helpers insurance Q&A," compiling questions related to insurance for foreign domestic helpers. The content of the second episode includes outpatient, inpatient, and surgical expenses, loyalty assurance, exclusions, and how to claim.

If you browse various foreign domestic helper discussion forums or social media groups, you will find numerous complaints about the work performance and attitude of foreign domestic helpers. While there are many FDHs who perform well, grievances are usually shared only when unpleasant incidents occur. If a mistake occurs for the first time, it is advisable to communicate politely and give the FDH a chance to improve. However, can employers issue a Warning Letter to FDH and even terminate their employment immediately?

Hong Kong people love to travel, but in the past two years, due to the raging pandemic, most countries have implemented entry restrictions or even banned entry. Now the restrictions are all gone, it's time to start planning trips again! If you have a foreign domestic helper at home, some employers may invite them to travel. Does the foreign domestic helper insurance cover their travel? What else should be considered?

In part 1, we covered the notice period for foreign domestic helpers, arrangements for termination payments, and their calculation methods. In part 2, we will also discuss long-service payments or severance payments and their respective formulas. Visit our blog for more details!

In a previous article, we shared the arrangements for terminating contracts with foreign domestic helpers, along with details about other salary and insurance arrangements. However, we did not elaborate on the qualification criteria and calculation methods for end-of-contract, termination, or payment in lieu of notice, as well as the calculation of long-service payment. The question arises: do foreign domestic helpers qualify for long-service payment if they resign? In this two-part series, we will introduce relevant information and methods.